It is remarkable "how many Russians made it clear this weekend that they do not see eye to eye with this Russian president," said Baerbock. "The fact that you go to a polling station even if soldiers accompany you fills me with the greatest respect."

At the same time, Baerbock confirmed that the EU foreign ministers wanted to decide on new sanctions against Moscow during their discussions in Brussels. “At the same time, we must do everything we can to better protect ourselves from Putin’s Russia and to stand firmly on Ukraine’s side,” the minister added.

According to the State Election Commission, Putin clearly won the presidential election in Russia. The Kremlin boss received a good 88 percent of the vote and is therefore facing another six-year term. Putin's victory was considered a foregone conclusion from the start. All of the Kremlin chief's better-known critics are either dead, imprisoned or in exile.

I am/you